Draping and pleating on dresses

It has been a while since i posted on my blog, but moving to Cape Town has been an awesome but life changing experience, especially having 3 small children and a couture business that had to make the switch.

But I would like to chat about rouging, pleating and draping on a formal or wedding garment. It really ads something so special and unique, especially if it is done right and with really lovely fabrics. I find that this technique really enhances the look of the fabrics, as the light plays of the pleated or rouged surface in a stunning way and in so many dimensions. I have added some photos for you to look at.

To pleat the fabric for a gown for draping or a skirt, i would suggest to get it professionally done as there are so many ways to pleat fabrics. My favorite pleating to use on the bodice of a gown or draping on the back or side of a skirt is mushroom pleating. It is slightly messy, not so perfect as a fine knife or sunray pleat. It gives a lovely flat and smooth finish, and with the finest of tacking stitches can lie perfectly in the way you want it.

When costing a gown, I charge a fair amount of labour for this is it is a time consuming technique but well worth the effort. To really make this finished look special, I like to add Svarovsky crystals to the pleated finish, following the direction of the pleat or creating interesting integrating patterns on the fabrics. From a distance it really has a stunning effect and close up it enhances the detailing of the fabrics.

Next time I will discuss the art of lace, which is very popular in its full or in little appliqued cutouts. As Kate Middleton proved  by wearing that stunning wedding gown of hers with all the fine Chantilly finishes on it.